Alternative to AEM: Develop a Custom CMS or Use AEM?

As an alternative to using a standard system like AEM, companies can develop a CMS that is precisely tailored to their needs. Unlike AEM, where you must adapt to the system’s setup, custom software aligns with your business processes. The result? A CMS that does exactly what you need—without costly and unnecessary features. Though subscription-based software can theoretically be customized, essential features often drive up prices, while half of the functions in a given package may not be needed.

• Flexibility
  The CMS is designed to meet your specific requirements. You decide which functions are included.
• Cost Savings
  No ongoing licensing fees and lower maintenance costs compared to AEM. You only pay for what you actually use.
• Predictable Costs
  Avoid unexpected price jumps that come from reaching subscription limits and requiring features from higher-tier packages.
• Independence
  You are not dependent on an external provider like Adobe and maintain full control over your software and data.

A CMS like AEM offers numerous features and integration options that are useful for companies with extensive digital requirements. However, there are also clear drawbacks: the complexity of AEM makes it challenging to learn and maintain, requiring experienced developers and regular training. Companies without significant e-commerce needs or large-scale marketing campaigns often pay for features they rarely use.

A custom CMS can also have limitations. Companies with highly complex requirements that need extensive integrations and pre-built modules may benefit from a robust standard solution like AEM. Additionally, a custom CMS can require an initial planning and development phase that ties up resources. However, custom software provides companies with a solution precisely tailored to their processes, allowing for long-term flexibility and cost-effective adjustments.

One example from our experience shows the value of a custom CMS solution: For an international corporation, we developed a CMS specifically designed for editorial needs and content publishing. The result is an intuitive, fast system that minimizes errors and significantly reduces editorial workload. A standard solution like AEM would have added unnecessary complexity and cost without fully meeting the company’s specific needs.

A custom CMS solution makes sense when:

1. The planned usage period is long
   In the long term, a custom solution saves costs, as there are no licensing fees, and adjustments can be made cost-effectively.
2. Your business processes have specific requirements
   If existing systems don’t sufficiently support your workflows and require many compromises, custom software is ideal.
3. Flexibility and scalability are important
   Custom solutions can be expanded or modified without restructuring the entire software architecture.
4. Integration into existing systems is essential
   Custom software allows for seamless integration with specific interfaces to other applications or systems.
5. Your team needs easy usability
   Custom solutions are designed to align with the workflows and technical expertise of your team, reducing the need for training.
6. You want to avoid dependency on external providers
   With custom software, you retain full control over your data and the solution’s development. Even if you don’t develop the custom software in-house, it’s easier to switch providers than with an enterprise content management system.

If several of these points apply, a custom CMS solution is not only more efficient in the long term but also more cost-effective. It’s always worthwhile to compare the costs of standard software and a custom solution over several years before making a decision.

Here are some questions to consider:

• Do you truly need the extensive features of a system like AEM, or would a simpler, leaner solution be sufficient for your needs?
• Do you want to avoid long-term high licensing and maintenance costs and potential unpredictable price increases associated with systems like AEM?
• Are you looking for a solution that perfectly fits your processes, rather than adapting your processes to a predefined software?
• Do you want full control over your software and data, without relying on an external provider?

If you answer most of these questions with “Yes,” a custom CMS solution is likely the better choice. Our experience shows that companies with custom-built systems often work more efficiently and cost-effectively because they get exactly what they need—no more, no less.

The decision between AEM and a custom CMS solution depends heavily on your company’s individual requirements. While AEM can be a valuable option for companies with extensive e-commerce or marketing activities, it is often too complex and expensive for many businesses. If you’re seeking a lean, efficient solution precisely aligned with your processes, consider custom CMS development.